All week the Universal Orlando Resort is giving guests a first-ever look at the magical creatures they’ll encounter inside the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience yet – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure when it opens on June 13th at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Cornish pixies are electric blue tricksters who love to create mischief – often at the expense of others. These mischievous creatures fly, and have also been known to seize unwary humans by the ears and deposit them at the tops of tall trees and buildings – poor Neville Longbottom…
In Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, you’ll see these troublesome creatures wreaking havoc on an infamous blue car… and in places you may not expect.
They’re about 13 inches tall and you’ll find more than 20 pixies throughout your adventure. Happy hunting!
According to Pottermore, Cornish pixies can produce a high-pitched jabbering that’s only comprehensible to other pixies
Cornish pixies made their first film appearance in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets during Gilderoy Lockhart’s Defense Against the Dark Arts class
The epic new addition to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be an immersive experience unlike any other, combining a new level of storytelling and innovative coaster technology with elaborate environments – including an actual forest with more than 1,200 live trees – to bring an all-new wizarding world adventure to life. Guests will embark on a journey with Hagrid – one of the most beloved characters in theHarry Potter films – into the Forbidden Forest to discover some of the wizarding world’s rarest magical creatures.
Next up is an extraordinary plant with constricting magical abilities. WARNING – STRUGGLING WILL ONLY CAUSE IT TO TIGHTEN ITS GRIP.
Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Overview: Music, Food, And Fun
Mardi Gras Brings 14 Nights of Electrifying Live Concerts – Including Demi Lovato, Phillip Phillipsand Pitbull – a Dazzling Parade, Cajun Cuisine and Tons of Beads
Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras 2013 is coming up soon, and I couldn’t be more excited!!!
Last year I was lucky enough to spend almost two weeks in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras does not disappoint!
On select nights Feb. 9 through April 20, guests will let the good times roll as they experience an authentic, family-friendly version of the Mardi Gras bash at Universal Studios Florida. The event couples unparalleled theme park entertainment with a dazzling parade, authentic New Orleans musicians, mouth-watering Cajun cuisine, tons of glittering Mardi Gras beads and live concerts by high-profile artists.
Before enjoying the live concerts, guests can dance along with dozens of energetic street performers and collect beads by the handful as the Mardi Gras parade winds through Universal Studios.
This year’s parade celebrates “Colorful Cultures Around the World,” featuring all-new float additions inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead, Chinese New Year and Elegance of India. The parade’s elaborate, hand-crafted floats are built by Blaine Kern Artists – the same company that designs floats for the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.
But let’s get to the real reason you’re here…the Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras Concert Lineup!!!
This year’s talent lineup features an incredible variety of music, ranging from Americana rock to soulful R&B to upbeat pop to Latin rhythms. Guests can return night after night to hear their favorite performers, including internationally-renowned rapper Pitbull – whose number-one single, “Give Me Everything,” was named “Top Radio Song” in the 2012 Billboard Music Awards; 2012 People’s Choice Award-winner Demi Lovato for “Favorite Pop Artist;” season 11 winner of “American Idol,” Phillip Phillipswhose hit song, “Home,” was certified double-platinum; chart-topping country duo Montgomery Gentry, with top hits like “If You Ever Stop Loving Me” and “Back When I Knew It All;” teen heartthrob Austin Mahone; and alternative rock band Matchbox Twenty, whose latest studio album, “North,” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Below you will find the current line-up of artists that will be performing during these 14 nights of Mardi Gras fun at the Universal Orlando Resort. While the Headliners are always a really good time, you should definitely head over the French Quarter area to check out these local New Orleans bands perform Blues, Jazz and Zydeco music!
2013 MARDI GRAS TALENT LINE-UP
Mardi Gras Event Dates
Headliners
(performing in the Music Plaza)
New Orleans Bands
(performing in the French Quarter)
Saturday, February 9
Lifehouse
John Lisi & Delta Funk!
Saturday, February 16
Steve Miller Band
The Dirty Bourbon River Show
Sunday, February 17
Boys Like Girls
The Dirty Bourbon River Show
Saturday, February 23
Trey Songz
Colin Lake
Saturday, March 2
Demi Lovato
Beth McKee
Saturday, March 9
Montgomery Gentry
Gravy
Friday, March 15
Sean Kingston
Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers
Saturday, March 16
Matchbox Twenty
Lil Brian and the Zydeco Travelers
Friday, March 22
Austin Mahone
The Soul Project NOLA
Saturday, March 23
Phillip Phillips
The Soul Project NOLA
Saturday, March 30
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
Big Al & the Heavyweights
Saturday, April 6
TBD
Mississippi Rail Company
Saturday, April 13
Pitbull
The Rockin’ Jake Band
Saturday, April 20
TBD
Daddy Mack Blues Band
The French Quarter Courtyard at Universal Orlando Resort Mardi Gras is one of my favorite places to spend time during the celebration! This area is one huge party, where you can enjoy the soulful sounds of amazing music, authentic Cajun cuisine, including jambalaya, gumbo, beignets and more, and partake in some adult beverages just for the Mardi Gras Celebration. We spent a lot of time in this area last year, and I can’t wait to go back again!!!
The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras is included with admission to Universal Studios, and we will definitely be posting more about Mardi Gras and attending a lot of these celebrations!